Brentford vs Arsenal LIVE: Premier League result and reactions as substitute Kai Havertz scores winner

Brentford 0-1 Arsenal: Havertz’s winner takes the Gunners to the top of the table

Odegaard and Jesus available, White we will see - Arteta

Arsenal went top of the Premier League as Kai Havertz headed home a late winner against Brentford.

After the draw between Manchester City and Liverpool had opened the door for Arsenal to take top spot, it looked for so long like it would be a night to forget for Mikel Arteta’s side as they struggled to breakdown aresolute home defence.

But a piece of Bukayo Saka brilliance put a goal on a plate for Havertz, and the German sharply directed a downward header past Mark Flekken to snatch a 1-0 victory.

The visitors had barely got out of first gear on a chilly London evening and failed to create many clear chances, while Aaron Ramsdale - standing in for the ineligible David Raya in goal - endured a couple of nervy moments at the other end.

Declan Rice spared his goalkeeper’s blushes with a last-ditch first half clearance, while Oleksandr Zinchenko also produced a timely clearance off the line to ensure Ramsdale’s goal was not breached.

And that alllowed Saka and Havertz to combine to secure three points that take Arteta’s men above both the defending champions and Liverpool to head the Premier League pack after 13 matches.

Follow all the reaction below plus get the latest Premier League odds and tips right here:

Brentford vs Arsenal live

• Kai Havertz is Arsenal’s hero, but under-pressure Aaron Ramsdale fails to impress
• Arsenal edge past Brentford to move to in the Premier League
• 89’ GOAL! - Havertz comes off the bench to nod Arsenal in front (BRE 0-1 ARS)
• 77’ OFF THE LINE! - Zinchenko clears the danger to spare Arsenal’s blushes (BRE 0-0 ARS)
• 68’ CLOSE! - Martinelli’s cross to Nketiah is headed clear by Mee (BRE 0-0 ARS)
• 51’ WIDE! - Mbeumo meets Wissa’s pass but pokes it past the post (BRE 0-0 ARS)
• 44’ NO GOAL! - VAR rules the goal out for offside (BRE 0-0 ARS)
• 42’ GOAL! - Trossard nods home scrappy goal for visitors (BRE 0-1 ARS)
• 40’ CLOSE! - Jesus draws a save out of Flekken (BRE 0-0 ARS)
• 14’ CHANCE! - Rice clears Mbeumo’s effort after Ramsdale mistake (BRE 0-0 ARS)

[25 November 2023 19:24 · Harry Latham-Coyle]

Brentford 0-1 Arsenal, 90 + 4 minutes

Into the final seconds. Bryan Mbeumo launches the ball forward but it lands on an Arsenal head. Eddie Nketiah slips to give Brentford one last chance in posssession, but we are now into added time in added time.

[25 November 2023 19:22 · Harry Latham-Coyle]

Brentford 0-1 Arsenal, 90 + 3 minutes

Mikel Arteta answers with two changes of his own, Ben White and Jorginho on to try and secure things.

[25 November 2023 19:21 · Harry Latham-Coyle]

Brentford 0-1 Arsenal, 90 + 1 minutes

Into stoppage time, of which there are four minutes. Brentford clung on for so long but now must be proactive, Saman Ghoddos off and Zanka on to add some extra height.

[25 November 2023 19:18 · Harry Latham-Coyle]

GOAL! Brentford 0-1 ARSENAL (Kai Havertz, 89 minutes)

There’s the breakthrough!

It’s a huge goal for Arsenal, and a huge goal for Kai Havertz! The German scores his biggest goal since his move across London, but this all about the silver platter delivery from Bukayo Saka. His cross arcs most invitingly, bending towards the far post and simply demanding to be converted. Havertz obliges, Arsenal lead!

(Getty Images)

[25 November 2023 19:18 · Harry Latham-Coyle]

Brentford 0-0 Arsenal, 88 minutes

Takehiro Tomiyasu is found by Leandro Trossard, but I’d wager the right back isn’t quite the man Arsenal want rampaging on to a pass 20 yards out. His side-footed effort is blocked.

[25 November 2023 19:16 · Harry Latham-Coyle]

Brentford 0-0 Arsenal, 87 minutes

Time is ticking ever nearer to the 90 minute mark, and I can’t remember too many stoppages in this second half that would neccessitate an extended extra period.

(Getty Images)

[25 November 2023 19:15 · Harry Latham-Coyle]

Brentford 0-0 Arsenal, 85 minutes

A weak finish! For once, Arsenal do cut Brentford open, three against two with Bukayo Saka giving the shooting opportunity to Eddie Nketiah. You’d expect rather more from the striker than that limp effort, though - Mark Flekken drops calmly to his left to gather with ease.

[25 November 2023 19:13 · Harry Latham-Coyle]

Brentford 0-0 Arsenal, 84 minutes

Brentford have been very, very organised and disciplined tonight, given the reshuffling required by the injuries. They push out as a red and white curtain to smother William Saliba’s space as he lines up a speculative volley that ends up (predictably) off target.

[25 November 2023 19:11 · Harry Latham-Coyle]

Brentford 0-0 Arsenal, 81 minutes

A bit of argy-bargy from Arsenal’s assembled targets results in a Brentford free kick.

[25 November 2023 19:09 · Harry Latham-Coyle]

Brentford 0-0 Arsenal, 80 minutes

Whistled wide! A flick off a Brentford foot and very nearly into the bottom corner Declan Rice’s crisp strike skims. Out for a corner.